Use Air Bags To Dump Your Pickup

Use air bags to dump your pickup PICKUPS Accessories 10-6-26 Here's an idea promoted by truck dealers in New Zealand to make it more economical to turn pickups into dumpers. Converting a pickup to dump with hydraulics can cost thousands of dollars. Using an air-lift jack, powered off the exhaust of the truck engine, can cost less than $100. Air-lift jacks were developed to replace conventional jacks to lift cars, vans, trucks, tractors and other farm equipment. They're made from a tough rubberized canvas material and ù thanks to a one-way valve ù require just 6 to 8 psi to lift up to 9,000 lbs. An Auckland, New Zealand pickup dealer simply hinges the rear of the pickup box. The bag inflates in about 20 sec., easily handling any load the pickup can haul. The bag is sandwiched between thick plywood panels, one mounted on the chassis and the other under the deck. As the bag inflates, it raises the deck. There's a valve on the bag to keep it from over-inflating and it can be locked in the raised position. A U.S. company, Imex International, sells air-lift jacks but says it has never tried to adapt it to a pickup dump. However, Dave Kresl, company president, says he'll work with anyone who wants to try it. Bags come in three sizes. A 22-in. lift bag that lifts 8,000 lbs. sells for $49.95. A 25-in. lifting bag, that'll lift 9,000 lbs. sells for $59.95. A heavy-duty industrial strength bag that lifts 30 in. is also available. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Dave Kresl, Imex International Sales, P.O. Box 9657, Downers Grove, Ill. 60515 (ph 312 968-6063).

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